Additional Interviews

Image source: Huråo, Inc.

Hafa Adai! Although I'm on step three of the writing process, I still wanted to add additional indigenous information. As such, I'm pleased to report that today I was able to interview two additonal Chamorro culture educators during the GCC Open Campus Day. These educators include Amon Guerrero, 62 years old, Chamorro teacher for over 25 years from Chalan Pago; and Ann Marie Arceo, 42 years old, Founder of Huråo Academy, residing in Hagat. Arceo has been teaching the Chamorro language and culture for 20 years. It should be noted that Huråo Academy is "one, if not the first Chamoru Immersion School that focuses on the teaching of Chamorro language and Self-identity on Guam. Huråo was founded in June 2005 as a non-profit organization" (Huråo Guahan, 2010).

Here's one quote that I found inspirational from Arceo, "Learn it (coconut weaving) as an art and way of living. Pass it on to our children. If all else fails, it can be our way of life." She said that coconut weaving also involves many math skills, such as "addition, subtraction, division, multiplication."

Guerrero shared the same sentiments. He said that when he teaches his students to coconut weave, they follow a pattern, and they use an even amount of leaves. He added that, "Coconut weaving is important to our culture. It will save our culture. It can provide us shelter, food, clothing."